Thousands rally in N.Y. for kidnapped soldiers

By · July 17, 2007

An estimated 4,000 demonstrators gathered across from the United Nations to demand action from the international community to help free three Israeli soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah and Hamas.

Monday’s event, organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, featured appearances by Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, members of Congress, and religious and communal leaders. Speakers included Karnit and Miki Goldwasser, wife and mother of Ehud Goldwasser, one of two Israeli soldiers kidnapped last summer by Hezbollah and still being held hostage.

“This is a humanitarian issue,” Miki Goldwasser said. “For me, as a mother, knowing that my son is kidnapped and wounded, maybe without any medical care, and no sign of life, it is misery. You need to fight against it. I ask for your help and thank you for your support.”

Several politicians spoke at the event, including U.S. Reps. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Anthony Wiener (D-N.Y.) and Christopher Shays (R-Conn.).

The United Jewish Communities, UJA-Federation of New York, the American Zionist Movement and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs also helped coordinate the rally.